Licensing Expo 2026 wrapped up this week in Las Vegas after delivering one of the largest events in the show’s history.
The three-day licensing industry gathering took place at Mandalay Bay Convention Center and brought together global brands, retailers, entertainment studios, gaming companies, and licensing executives from around the world.
Organizers said the 2026 edition featured record exhibitor participation and major growth across gaming, sports, food, beverage, and entertainment licensing.
Licensing Expo Draws Thousands to Las Vegas
According to event organizers, Licensing Expo 2026 featured:
- 410 exhibiting companies
- More than 5,000 brands
- Over 12,500 attendees
- 130 first-time exhibitors
- Visitors from 78 countries
The event also welcomed more than 1,500 qualified retailers from major companies including Walmart, Target, Zara, Adidas, Hot Topic, and Bath & Body Works.
Organizers said nearly half of all attendees held decision-making roles within their companies.
As a result, the convention floor remained active throughout the week with partnership meetings, product discussions, and licensing negotiations.
Gaming, Sports, and Entertainment Lead Growth
Licensing Expo 2026 showed major growth in gaming, sports, and entertainment licensing categories.
Large entertainment companies including Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery, Sony Pictures Entertainment, NBCUniversal, and Paramount Global participated in the event. Gaming brands such as Pokémon, Minecraft, LEGO, Riot Games, and SEGA also maintained large show floor presences.
Sports licensing continued expanding as well. Organizers linked that growth to increasing global interest in Formula 1, soccer, the Olympics, and the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Food and beverage licensing also emerged as one of the fastest-growing categories during this year’s event.
Industry Leaders Take the Stage
The 2026 conference program featured executives, celebrities, and licensing experts discussing future industry trends.
Netflix Chief Marketing Officer Marian Lee joined directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans to discuss fandom-driven licensing strategies connected to streaming content.
Supermodel Ashley Graham also appeared during the event alongside United Talent Agency executive Natasha Bolouki to discuss authenticity and long-term brand partnerships.
In addition, Sharon and Jack Osbourne spoke about legacy brand management and maintaining cultural relevance across generations.
Las Vegas Continues Leading Convention Industry
Large trade shows like Licensing Expo continue reinforcing Las Vegas’ position as one of the world’s leading convention destinations.
Thousands of convention visitors supported hotels, restaurants, transportation companies, and entertainment venues throughout Southern Nevada during the event.
Because the licensing industry now influences entertainment, fashion, gaming, sports, and retail sectors worldwide, Licensing Expo continues attracting global attention each year.
Event leaders said the show floor reflected the growing importance of in-person business conversations and face-to-face networking across the licensing industry.
Licensing Expo Will Return in 2027
Organizers confirmed that Licensing Expo 2027 will return to Las Vegas next year.
The event is scheduled to take place May 25-27, 2027, once again at Mandalay Bay Convention Center.
Licensing industry leaders say the strong turnout in 2026 reflects continued global demand for brand partnerships, entertainment licensing, and consumer product collaborations.
As Las Vegas once again remains at the center of one of the world’s largest licensing and brand collaboration industries.
📍 Event Information
📍 Mandalay Bay Convention Center
Las Vegas, Nevada
📅 Event Dates:
May 19-21, 2026
🌐 Official Website:
Licensing Expo
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